As you may know, Wordsmith Writing Coaches doesn't do a lot of things. We don't do graphic design, or audiobook production, or edit horror (although we can help you with a psychological thriller). We also don't do book marketing, although we can help you with branding, and with understanding the basics of how to be a prosperous creative. But I've started learning more about the sales-and-marketing side of things these past six months or so. I was invited to moderate a discussion panel of publicists and marketing experts a couple of weeks ago, in fact. One shocking fact that I learned in the process: hiring a professional marketer or publicist to market your book costs between $500 and $3000 per month! And that’s for just basic services. "Bells and whistles" cost extra.
So... trusting that this is accurate, two things are immediately apparent:
1. Authors actually pay these rates without going bankrupt. So, somehow, that service can earn you at least that much per month in sales and speaking fees... or more.
2. Authors manage to do okay without paying those rates. So, somehow, you can build your own marketing funnel that costs much less and could do just as well for you, if you are willing to put in the work.
If you have the budget to spend $6000 per year (or more!) on professional marketing, please go right ahead. I know several excellent publicists and marketing specialists who can help you.
If you do not have that budget but you're on the verge of releasing a new book, or you've just published one in the past six months or so, here is an opportunity that might be a strong piece in your marketing funnel: announce your book as a New Release in SPAWN's industry newsletter. It costs $200, which isn't peanuts, and by itself, it is not a whole marketing funnel (you'll need a few more pieces in place before your funnel is functional). But it might be a good launch-announcement strategy for your book. Considering the exposure it gives you, it is an excellent value for the money.
If you have no idea what a "marketing funnel" is, it's probably time to schedule another meeting with me, so that I can introduce you to the concept and help you tailor a funnel that fits your particular work. (I promise not to charge you $500 for it!)
Meanwhile, click here to learn more about this opportunity. You only have two more weeks to take advantage of it... after that, it will come up again in another six or twelve months. If this appeals to you, time your book release accordingly!
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